Ronaldo at Barcelona: How the striker reached his peak
A look back at Ronaldo's legendary 1996/97 season with Barcelona, widely considered the peak of his individual brilliance.
In anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an excerpt from the book "The Soccer 100" explores the singular, glittering season Ronaldo spent at Barcelona. While the Brazilian icon is often remembered for his time at Real Madrid or with the national team, his 1996–97 campaign in Catalonia stands as the ultimate peak of his career.
Signed by manager Bobby Robson for a then-record fee, Ronaldo arrived as a 20-year-old with immense potential. He wasted no time proving his worth, scoring 47 goals in 49 matches across all competitions. That season, he won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and became the youngest player to ever win the Ballon d'Or.
The defining moment of his season—and perhaps his career—was his solo goal against Compostela. His ability to combine raw power, blistering pace, and intricate dribbling left teammates and opponents alike in awe. Peers, including Luis Enrique, noted that they had never witnessed such individual brilliance before.
However, the season was also marked by the early warnings of the knee injuries that would later shape his career. Despite the physical challenges and off-field friction regarding his travel to Brazil, his output remains a benchmark for centre-forwards. It raises the enduring question of what he might have achieved had his health remained intact, though his performance in 1996–97 remains enough to secure his place among the greatest to ever play the game.